Exercise.... is a word I use to cringe at. I did not want to get up an hour early to workout. I want to stay in my warm and cozy bed, especially since it's getting colder now. So exercise was the last thing on my mind. I use to think that working out in the evening was best for me because I would be able to sleep better at night, WRONG! I would be wide awake and couldn't sleep. So I decided to attempt waking up earlier because I had goals that I know I wanted to meet. It hasn't been easy and some days I still don't get up at 5 o'clock; but the important thing is I get my workout done right after I wake up! I wanted to share some tips that I use to help get myself ready for those workouts:
1)
Have everything ready: Lay everything out in plain sight for when you wake up. Sometimes I even sleep in my workout clothes, that way all I have to do is get up and go push play! Prepping everything the night before will only take a few minutes of your time the night before , but will save plenty of precious minutes in the morning!
2)
Gear up: What all do you use during your workouts? Do you have a heart rate monitor? Will you need your dumbbells? Will you need a TV or Laptop to watch your workout program on. Have it all together in one place and ready to go! This way you wont have to search for everything, it will all be in one place!
3)
Snack up: Some people need a little bit of energy before working out; some don't. If you do, a small pre-workout snack will do! I sometimes take one slice of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, since it is fast and easy to make!
4)
Early to bed, Early to rise: Sleep is so important when it comes to waking up early! Going to bed early allows your body to rest and recharge for the next day. It is important to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night, to fully allow your body to recuperate! This is something that I need to work on. I notice that when I don't get those 7-8 hours, my workouts are not as effective, as well as, my eating habits.
5)
Schedule it: Writing in your planner, find a workout partner who keeps you motivated in working out! Having a workout partner is not only makes working out fun, but it also keeps you accountable!
6)
Find your soul mate workout: I have mentioned before that I believe Chalean Extreme is my soul mate workout. I get excited and look forward to working out to this program. It is important that you love the workouts that you do, because it makes it feel less like a chore. The more you enjoy your workout, the more you will be willing to wake up early!
7)
Treat yourself post-workout: Having a treat waiting for me after my workout is over, makes the workout even better! Lately, I have been looking forward to drinking my Greenberry Shakeology! I have become so addicted this flavor. Some days, I enjoy some overnight oats! Finding healthy recipes to treat myself allows me to reach my goals faster. On days that I have more time, I read some of my favorite books!
Have a blessed day! Now go workout, you will be glad you did!
